For Writers Interested in Getting Published
​
New and aspiring authors contact me all the time looking for advice. When I started out, I didn't have a support system, resulting in a bumpy entry into indie publishing. I decided to compile a list of my favorite resources for anyone looking for guidance.
​
The best advice I can offer any writer is this:
Settle in. Becoming an author is about more than one book or one idea. It's a lifelong commitment to learning a craft you will never master. Publishing is a frustrating business, regardless which path you choose, and patience is key. I hope you find this list helpful, but always do your research to determine if something is right for you.
​
"The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity."
-Amelia Earhart
Books:
The Business of Being a Writer: Jane Friedman is today's foremost expert in publishing. She's thoughtful, straightforward, and a wealth of incredible information. Her books are essential reading. She reminds us that writing is a craft and publishing is a business.
​
​
Websites and Podcasts:
Steps to Story: Nicole breaks down the process of writing into manageable and approachable bite-sized episodes.
​
​
Abbie Emmons YouTube: I devoured her content when I was first starting out. She focuses on the building blocks of craft that I found very helpful.
​
​
Craft Books
The Emotional Craft of Fiction: By far, the most read book on my shelf is this one. I come back to it over and over again for drafting and editing. Donald Maass's classes are exceptional if you ever get an opportunity to take one.
​
Intuitive Editing: As a new author, I found the process of editing the most overwhelming task of all. Tiffany Yates Martin proposes a practical guide for self-editing your work. One of my top priorities is handing off a clean, strong draft to my critique partners and beta readers, and learning to edit my own work has allowed me to get the most out of their feedback.
Tools
​
​
Cover Design:
Asya Blue: I connected with Asya on Reedsy, and have used her for nearly all my book covers. She's very talented and easy to work with.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
Writing Community
Connecting with a community of writers is essential. We need like-minded friends to help navigate this wild world of publishing! You will need beta readers, critique partners, and a support system. Here's where I found mine:
​
​
​
Other suggestions for different genres:
Sisters in Crime, Horror Writers Association, Romance Writers of America, Mystery Writers of America, Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, The Authors Guild.
​
​
​
Now get to it and write that book!
​